Thomas More

?1477-1535: Intellectual, Historian, Politician, Catholic Martyr and Saint (also known as Thomas Morus): wrote a history of Richard III and Utopia (1516). Became Privy Councellor and later Chancellor for Henry VIII. Remained loyal to the Pope's authority, committed to the Tower, indicted of high treason, found guilty and beheaded in 1535. Became a Catholic saint in 1935.

Source: Oxford Companion to English Literature.